Apparatus for tiering, feeding, and loading materials



A. T. FAY, JR 2,065,674 APPARATUS FOR TIERING', FEEDING, AND LOADING MATERIALS Dec. 29, 1936.

Filed Aug. 13, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet l Dane 29, 1%. A. T. FAY, JR 2,065,674

APPARATUS FOR TIERING, FEEDING, AND LOADING MATERIALS Filed Aug. 13, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 065,674 APPARATUS FOR TIERING, FEEDING, AND LOADING MATERIALS R J A F A Filed Aug. 13, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 OOOOOUOIOOEI 242 o) (o o) o) (o 0) (o o) (O Dec. 29, 1936. A. T. FAY, JR 2,065,674

APPARATUS FOR TIERING, FEEDING, AND LOADING MATERIALS Filed Aug. 13, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 /3lc 13a 1 Patented Dec. 29, 1936 APPARATUS FOR TIERING, FEEDING, AND

LOADING MATERIALS Albert Thornton Fay, Jr., Portland, reg.; Pauline Fay, administratrix of said Albert Thornton Fay, Jr., deceased, assignor to Moore Dry Kiln Company of Oregon, North Portland,

Oreg., a corporation Application August 13, 1932, Serial No. 628,666

13 Claims.

My invention relates to a novel tiering, feeding and loading device, and to the method of tier measuring, tiering, stacking, or loading.

An object of my invention isto provide a novel means for tiering and loading stock spread out in sheets as tiers, onto a stock load, either with or without stickers between tiers.

Another object of my invention is to provide an automatic tier measuring, and tier feeding device for any process, stacker or loader.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel tier feeding-or feeding and loading device or process, automatic in its operation for feeding a machine, or loading materials which 15 may be the product of a machine.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel automatic stacking or loading apparatus, for .converting a supply of stock in sheets from any process, into tiers, and of segregating, feeding and loading the tiers on a stock load, of conveying said stock load away, and of positioning other load carriers for, and loading a new stock load in an iterant automatic. process.

What constitutes my invention will be hereinafter specified in detail and succinctly defined in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings wherein my invention is illustrated in preferred form of embodiment,

l0 Figure I is a transverse vertical section illustrating my feeding and loading apparatus.

Figure II is a partial plan view of Figure I. Figure 111 is a partial longitudinal vertical section taken along the lines IIIIII of Figures I and II. I

Figure IV is a transverse section of a tiering and feeding apparatus, illustrating a modified form of my invention.

Figure V is a diagrammatic electrical wiring ,0 diagram, indicating a control system for my feeding and loading apparatus.

My feeding apparatus may be applied to any' type of stacker or loader, to any machine feeding, time feeding processes for machines or processes, or for loading the products of machines. Reference is made to the feeding, tiering, and loading of lumbenbut it is to be understood that any other layered material may be similarly handled.

0 Referring to the numerals on the drawings:

I indicates a sheet of stock illustrated, for example, as lumber of variable width and length on the supply conveyor chain, or cable 2, which may be supplied from a planer, or from any 5 process or other source to be loaded, stacked,

tiered or fed. The lumber may vary in thickness from time to time. The conveyor chain 2 issupportedby any suitable means,'for example, by the conveyor stringers3. The chain preferably has a smooth top and may be of any preferred number of runs, and of any usual type, driven by the sprockets 4, fixed to the shaft 5, journaled in suitable bearings. The sprockets 4 may be driven by any suitable means. -The chain 2 also passes over idler sprockets 6, rotating freely on the shaft I, which is journaled in suitable bearings. The supply conveyor stringers 3 may be supported in any preferred manner, as by the cross beam 8, supported by the 1 posts 9, and by the guidemembers I0.

I preferably provide a stop means, illustrated above the chains 2, which may stop the movement of the sheet of stock I, on the conveyor 2. This stop means may be applied from above, or a raising means may be applied from below, lift*- 20 ing the sheet of material off of the chains 2, and clamping it against a stationary stop above said chain. Beyond this stop I preferably provide a tier stop in the path of the layer, or sheet of stock on the conveyor, and which may be mount- 25 ed either above or below the conveyor chain. The actuation of the tier stdp controls the operation of the overhead stop to alternately stop and start the sheet of stock .I, for'releasing tiers for a feeding or loading process.

In one application of my invention I preferably employ at raising and lowering apron l3, which may be raised and lowered in front of a tier stop, to stop a sheet of material and release a tier for a feeding or loading process. The apron preferably comprises a plurality of arms having gravity rolls I4, or a skid surface. The apron I2 may be rigidly attached, preferably keyed to the shaft I, or to any suitable pivot means. The apron I3, is preferably continuous with the con- 40 veyor chain 2, so that lumber fed from the conveyor will be supplied in a sheet, the boards edge to edge on the apron l3, against a tier stop which may be mounted on the beam [5. The beam I5 is preferably adjustable for height by l the screws 20, which turn freely in the lugs 2|, which are attached to the hinged arms 22, which are pivotally attached to overhead beams 23,- which are supported by the posts 9, II. and I2. The screws 20 are threaded into the nuts IS, 60 which are an integral part of the stopbeam IS. The tier stop beam I5 is also adjustable for distance away from the overhead stop cushion 82, which distance may be varied as desired to determine the width of each tier. Adjustment may 8IB. When the solenoid 85 is energized, the

port 86-:A is open to the port 31-3, and the port 36-13 is open to the port 3'I-A, through the passage 84. A supply of gas, compressed air for example, from the supply pipe 38, may pass into the air chamber 48, of the cylinder 33, which lowers the piston 4|, exhausting the contents of the chamber 88, through the ports 36-3, the passage 34. the port 8I-A, and out the pipe 26. This action of the piston 4| lowers the scotch yoke 42, attached to the piston rod 43, which lowers the piston arm 44, which is connected to the scotch yoke 42 by the pin 45. The lowering of the piston arm 44, turns the shaft 46, to which it is keyed or otherwise fixed, through an arc, lowering the skid raising arm 66, which is also fixed to the shaft 46, and also lowering the skid connecting rod 41, which is pinned to the skid raising arm 65, by the pin 48, and pinned to the apron 18, by the pin'48.

The shaft 46 may be mounted in suitable journal bearings 58, which are shown mounted on the supporting member 6|, supported by the beam 64.

.mounted on the elevator columns I10 and I12,

811 one end, and the beam 63, at the other end. mounted on the conveyor supporting posts 8, which may rest on the ground.

When the apron I3 is lowered, its heel 68 is raised, elevating the end 6| of the stock lift arm 62, which in turn raises the stock I immediately .above it, ofl of the conveyor chain 2. The stock lift arm 62 may be pivoted on the shaft 63. The raising of the'heel 66, is illustrated as one means of lifting the sheet of lumber off of the conveyor chain when the overhead stop cushion 82 clamps the sheet.

When the stop cushions 82, clamp the sheet I of material, its movement on the conveyor chain 2, beneath and behind the stop cushion 82, is stopped. See Figure I. When the sheet of material consists of boards of lumber, laying edge to edge on the chain 2, the boards beyond the stop cushion 82, continue their movement as a detached tier. If the sheet is a continuous mass of material that will not readily separate to form tiers when the stop is actuated to stop the sheet I, as in some cases it may be, means of separating the tiers, such as a shear blade, may be provided and may be made a part of, or may be made to operate with the stop cushions I8I. See Figure IV. For example, a knife blade may be attached to the stop socket I86, and to the elevating member 268, by machine screws in the screw holes 58,

- as shown in Figure IV.

The stop lever arm 66 is preferably keyed to the shaft I, so that when the raising and lowering apron I3 goes down, the stop lever arm 66 raises the stop connecting rod 66, to which it may be connected by the pin 61. This movement of the stop lever arm 65, raises ,the stop rocker arm 68, by means of the stop connecting rod 68, to which it is pinned by a pin 68, in preferably a slotted n 13, in the top of the stop connecting rod 66.

The slot I3 provides for clamping stock varying in thickness.

The rocker arm 68 is preferably rigidly mounted on the shaft III. The shaft I8 may be journaled' in the bearings II, which may be supported on the beam I2, which is hung from the beams 23. The stop arm I5 may be also rigidly mounted on the shaft I0, and is connected by the pin I6, to the link 11, which in turn may be connected by the pin I8, to the stop I8, mounted in the bearing 80. The lower end of the stop preferably contains a socket 8|, for a cushion 82. The weight arm 83, may also be rigidly mounted on the shaft I8, and has an adjustable weight 84, mounted thereon. As the apron I3 goes down, the end 6|, of the stop lift arms 62, goes up, lifting the sheet of lumber. I, for example, up above the chain 2. This movement of the apron I3'also forces the stops 6| down, pinching the sheet of lumber between the end of the stop lift arm 62, and the cushion 82, the pressure being controlled by the position of the weight 84, on the weight arm 83.

It is understood that one or more electrically operated motor thrusters, or other stop means may be used if desired, instead of the solenoid valve 86, the cylinder 38, and the apparatus above described. a

When loading materials I preferably provide a limit switch I3I. having a trigger I88, mounted on a stop bracket I8I-A, mounted as on a beam I85, at one side of the elevator. The trigger I88 is actuated by a tier of stock sliding down from the apron I3, on to the loading skid 88, above the stock load, against the stop bracket I8I-A, to retract the loading skid 88 and to start the loading operation.

For example, when'the stops 8|, are'applied to stop the sheet of material I, the tier on the apron is detached from the sheet and may be conveyed for feeding any process, or may be moved with the aid of gravity onto a loading skid 80, positioned over a stock load 88. In this case the tier moves downward on the loading skid and strikes the trigger I30 of the limit switch I8I, and is stopped by the bracket I 3IA, which also acts as a means of evening the side of the stock load 88. When the trigger I30 is actuated. the circuit is opened to the solenoid 38, which conmeets the ports 36A with 86-3, to allow gas pressure from the pipe 38, to enter the chamber 38, to raise the piston 4|, and to raise the apron I3. The exhaust gas from the chamber 48, passes out through the ports 3I-B, 3I--A, and the pipe 26.

Theretraction of the loading skid 88, allows the tier to be deposited by gravity on the top of the stock load 88.- In some cases the back edge of the tier may strike against the rake means 88, which prevents the tier from moving back with the loading skid. The rake means 88, serves also to even the side of the stock load.

I preferably provide pull-back bars 88, at the ends of the frames of the loading skid 88.- These pull-back bars may be fixed horizontally or hinged, and are preferably elevated above the top of the stock load 38, so as to permit the forward movement of the loading skid. They also support the last board of each tier and may pull it back against a rake means 88, or a stop in the backward movement of the loading skid.

It is understood that lumber may be supplied to the tiering and feeding mechanism by any suitable means, for example, by a tilting break down hoist, or from a planer machine. an unstacker, or any process.

In other cases I may employ a chain continuation of the conveyor 2, beyond the stop cushion 82, as shown, for example, in Fig. IV and a suitable tier stop corresponding in function to the stop 28, and the trigger 21, except that it may be raised and lowered above and below the chain 2, and also spaced at a suitable distance from the stop 82. Mechanical equivalents of the stops illustrated may be used to alternately stop the sheet I, and release a tier of stock.

In some cases the tlering and feeding mechanism supplies a reciprocable loading skid 80, for loading materials. In this case the top surface of the reciprocable loading skid is an extension of the surface of the raising and lowering apron I8, when the skid 90 is positioned above the stock load 88. The skid 90 may comprise a plurality of frames having a skid surface, or having gravity rolls 89, to aid in discharging a tier of material therefrom. Each skid arm may comprise at .its back end the struts 9i, and the chords 82 and 88... The loading skid arms operate together and may be joined together as one unit to form the skid 80. Each loading skid arm is preferably guided by hearing members 84. and 85, attached respectively in any suitable manner to the top and bottom portions of the loading skid 80, and preferably on members such as the chords 82 and 88. The bearing members 84 and 85 are preferably provided with tongues, or other suitable means 88 and 81, respectively, controlled by the loading skid guide members I0, for guiding the movement of loading'skid arms in their reciproeating motion. The loading skid guide members II, are preferably channels having flanges facing each other, and spaced apart to guide the movement of the top and bottom members respectively, of each loading skid arm on its forward and backward movement. The loading skid guide members I 0, may be supported at one end by the beam I00, supported bythe posts 8, and at the other end by the cross beam IOI,supported by the elevator columns I and I12. The

tongues 88 and 81, may have'a closely operative ht between the flanges of the guide members I0,

which control the horizontal reciprocating movement of the loading skid 80; however, in some installations, particularly for loading solid stacked loads of lumber, for example, I preferably provide some vertical movement of the nose -'of each of the loading skid arms so that the loading skid will conform to the level of the top of the stock load. I preferably employ a hinged skid 80, hinged at I08, and having a spring IIO, between the struts 8i, and the backportion III,

the nose III, of the loading skid 80. when a tier of lumber, for example, is on the loading skid, its weight tends to bear down the nose 2, compressing the spring IIO, adjustable by the nut I81, on the rod I88, which is fixed to the ,-chord 8i, so'that the nose glides on the top of the stock load 88. when the loading skid 88, is

empty. in the forward position, the spring II8, tends'to hold the nose II2, up above the top of the stock load.

- The loading skid is preferably attached or otherwise connected to a reciprocating member, for example, to a chain II4, by means of a pin II5, in a special connecting link H8. The chain H4, is enmeshed with the sprockets H1 and I", on :the shafts 55 and 51, respective y. lournaled 'in bearings 58: The chain H4, is also provided with a lug II 8,'preferably on the bottom run which-moves between two limit switches I20 and I2 I, spaced to limit the travel of the loading skid,

and which may be operated mechanically or electrically.

I preferably provide an elevator of any suitable design for raising and lowering stock loads 88, and for maintaining the top of the stock load at the proper stacking or loading level. I have illustrated a novel cable type elevator, comprising four elevator columns I10, "I, I18 and I18, resting on suitable foundations. Two shoes I51 and I 58, one on each side, and extending between columns are shown, which may be raised or lowered by cables-i14 and I15, which pass over idler sheaves I15 and I11, on one side, and I18 on the other side of the elevator. These sheaves are preferably mounted on shafts which are journaledin suitable bearings.

The drums may be mounted on a common shaft I8I, mounted in suitable bearing I18, which may be driven by a reversible motor I54, a reduction gear unit I82, and chain drive I88. When the motor is turned in one direction, the cables I14 and I15, wind up on the drums I80, raising the elevator shoes I51 and I58. When the motor I54, is rotated in the reverse direction, the drums I80 unwind, allowing the cables I14 and I15, to lower the elevator shoes I51 and I58, and stock loads supported thereon.

The shoes I51 and I 58, on the two sides of the elevator, are spaced on two sides of a conveyor means I80, so that they will pick up stock load can'iers or bunks, I58 or ill, at their ends, when said bunks are placed above them on said conveyor means. The shoes I51 and I 58, may be lowered below the surface of the conveyor means I 80, at the bottom limit oftheir travel. The shoe I51, is illustrated as having 9. lug I58, .for actuating the upper and lower limit switches I85 and I81 respectively, and having triggers I84 and I85 respectively, mounted on the elevator column I1I. Any other suitable elevator or lift means, and its control, may be employed.

I preferably provide the conveyor means I50, driven, for example, by sprockets I16, on the shaft I84, driven by the motor I55, by means of the reduction gear I11, and the chain drive I18. The chains I60, extend beneath the elevator and out to one end, for conveying completed stock loads 88, on bunks or load carriers I59, off of the elevator shoes I51 and I58, and bringing. new empty bunks I 6I,'to aposition between the elevator shoes I51 and I58, for building up another stock load. ,The conveyor chain I80, may be long enough to' hold several series of emp y bunks I6I, spaced, for automatic supply to the elevator.

I preferably provide limit switches I88, having triggers I88, for stopping the conveyor chains I80, when a stock load 88, is loaded and is con- "veyed out beyond the elevator shoes, and when new bunks I6I, have been conveyed into place above the elevator shoes.

The stock loads 88, may be stacked either with or without stickers. when stickers are placed between tiers, suitable sticker guides are preferably provided.

Reference is made to my application Serial No. 624,521 covering improvements in stackers or loaders, which claims the reciprocating loading skid described in this specification.

One means and method of operation of my tieringand loading apparatus'may be described as follows:

when the tier I of lumber moves forward on the raising and lowering apron I3, it comes in contact with the trigger 21, and closes the circuit in the limit switch 28, making possible the actuation oi! the solenoid 35, when the loading skid is in the forward position and the circuit has been closed from LI, through the contacts "MB of the limit switch I20, closed by the lug IIS, actuating the switch I20, by means oi the trigger I22, through the line switch I48, through the limit switch 28, through the solenoid 35, and through the contacts I3I-B, oi the limit switch I 3| which is normally closed, and to the other side of the line L--'2. This circuit in actuating the solenoid 35, opens the port 35--A, allowing gas pressure to pass through the port 31B, into the chamber 40, of the cylinder 33, moving the piston 4I downward, and also opening the ports 36-13 and 31-A, allowing exhaust gas from the chamber 39, to pass out through passage 34. This downward movement of the piston 4 I, lowers the apron I3, by means of the piston rod 43, the scotch yoke 42, the pin 45, the piston arm 44, the shaft 45, the skid raising arm 55, the pin 48, the skid connecting rod 41, and the pin 49.

The lowering oi the apron I3 releases the tier I of lumber onto the loading skid 90. The tier I moves forward and actuates the trigger I30, closing contacts I3IC, normally open in the limit switch I3I, which operate the contactors I50-A, in the reversing line starter, through the circuit from one side of the line L-I, through the OL contacts, and through the contacts I2I-B, of the limit switch I2I, normally closed, and contacts I31-A, oi switch I31, normally closed, or both, through the stop button I40, through contacts I2I-C, normally closed, in limit switch I2l through contacts I3I-C, in limit switch I3I, through contacts I33-A, normally closed, in switch I33, through the coil I50A, oi the reversing line starter I50, and to other side of line L-2. Making this circuit starts the skid motor I53, which moves the loading skid backward.

When the loading skid 90, has moved to the full backward position, the lug H9, strikes the trigger I23, opening the contacts I2I-C, in the limit switch I2I, opening the circuit and stopping the motor I53, which remains stopped until the contacts I33-D, of the limit switch I33, are closed by the lowering of the stock load, releasing the trigger I32. The contactor coil I50--A, in the reversing line starter is held closed after the contacts I3IA, opens by an auxiliary contactor I50-AI, on the contactor I50-A, in order to carry the loading skid I3, to the full backward position. The contacts I2I-B, normally closed in the limit switch I2I, are opened'by the lug H9, striking the trigger I23; and the contacts I31A, normally closed, are opened by the-lug I55, on the shoe I51, actuating the trigger I38, of the switch I31, and thus stopping loading skid 80, in the backward position until the contacts I33-D, of the limit switch I33, are closed by the lowering of the stock load releasing trig er I32, and also during the time the completed stock load 88, is being removed from elevator by the chain I60, and the new bunks IBI, are being elevated to the loading position.

The raising of the apron I3, takes place during the time the loading skid 90, is moving backward. The tier I of lumber, on actuating trigger I30, in limit switch I3I, opens the contacts I3I--B, in limit switch I3I, opens the circuit and de-energizes the solenoid operated valve 35, connecting the ports 36-A and 36-3, also the ports 31--B and 31A, which allows the gas to pass through the ports 36-A and 35-3, into the chamber 39, of the cylinder 33, thus moving .the piston 4|, upward and allowing the exhaust gas from the chamber 40, to escape through the ports 31-48 and 31-A. The upward movement of piston 4I, raises the apron I3, by means of the piston rod 43, the scotch yoke 42, the pin 45, the piston arm 44, the shaft46, the skid raising arm 55, the pin 48, the skid connecting rod 41, and the pin 49. Pressure is maintained in the chamber 39, to hold the apron I3 up until a new tier has filledthe apron I3 and actuated the limit switch 28, and the loading skid 90, has reached the full forward position, and the limit switch I20, has been actuated.

As soon as contacts I33--B in the limit switch I33, are closed by the retraction of the loading skid 90, and the pullback 88, pulling the last board of the tier I, on stock load against the trigger I32, closing the circuit tocoil I5I-A, in the reversing line starter I5I the circuit is closed from L-I through 0L contactors, the stop button I43, the contacts I33B, in limit switch I33, the contacts I31-B, in the limit switch I31, which are normally closed, and the coil I5I-A, to the other side of the line L-2. Closing this circuit starts the elevator motor I54, which lowers the elevator until the contacts I33-B, opens the circuit by the stock load 88, being lowered below the trigger I32, releasing it and stopping the motor I54.

' The contacts I31-B, in the limit switch I31, are normally closed, and are actuated only when the elevator shoes I51, have reached the lowest limit of their travel, and the bunks I59, are resting on the chains I60. The push button I44, may be used for manually lowering the elevator shoes I51. The contactors I5I-A, in the reversing line starter I5I, are held closed by the contacts I33B, oi the limit switch I33, and the circuit is opened to stop the motor I54, by the opening of the contacts I33--B oi the limit switch I33, accomplished by the release of the trigger I32, by the lowering of the stock load 88.

When the lowering oi! the top of the stock load 88, releases trigger I32, the contacts I33-D, in the switch I33, automatically close. A circuit is thus set up to operate the motor I53, and move the loading skid 90, forward. This is accomplished by energizing the coil I50-B, in the reversing line starter I50, and closing the circuit from one side of the line LI, through the OL contactors and through contacts I2I-B, in the limit switch I2I, which are normally closed, through contacts I31-A, of limit switch I31, which are normally closed, or through both, and through the stop push button I40, through the contactors I2 I A, in limit switch I2I, which were closed by the lug II9, actuating the trigger I23, through the contactors I20--A, in the limit switch I20, which are normally closed, but which are opened by the lug H9, striking the trigger I22, through contacts I33--D, in limit switch I33, which were closed previously by the lowering of the top of the stock load 88, closing the circuit through the coil I50-B, in the reversing line starter I 50,,and to the other side of the line L-2. This circuit starts the motor I53, to move the loading skid 90, a:

forward. When the lug II9, on the loading skid drive chain II4, strikes the trigger I22, on the limit switch I20, it opens the contacts I20-A, stopping the motor I53, and the loading skid in the forward position. The closing of the contacts 7 I20--B, of the limit switch I20, by the loading skid reaching the full forward position, following the closing of the contacts in the limit switch 28, by the tier I of lumber striking the trigger 21, starts the operation of loading another tier on? of the loading skid 98.

- stopping which is closed by the lug I56, on

the stock load 88. The push button I42, is for the manual starting of the forward movement The contactor I58B, of the reversing line starter I58, is held in position after I33-D or I35-A. an auxiliary contactor When the elevator has reached its lower limit of travel, which occurs when the stock load is fully loaded, the bunks I59,-rest on the chains I88, and the lug I58, in elevator shoe I51, strikes and trips the trigger I36, closing the contacts I81-C, of the limit switch I31, which closes the circuit from one side of the line L-I, through the OL contactors, through the contacts I39-B, in the limit switch I88, which is normally closed, through the stop push button I45, through the contacts I31--C, in limit switch I31, and through the coil I52-A, in the line starter I52, to the other side of the line L2. This circuit starts the motor I55, which causes the chains I98,- to move, conveying the stock load 88, from the stacking position on the shoes I51, of! to a position at one side of the elevator, and at the same time moving new into the stacking position above the shoes I51 and I58, to be elevated ready to be loaded. The chains I68, are stopped by the bunks I59, when moving out to one side, actuating the trigger I38, and opening the contacts I39-B, in limit switch I89. The actuation of the trigger bunk I58, also closes the contacts I88-A, which closes the circuit to the motor I54, starting the the bunk ISI, for loading an- The push button I41, may be used for the manual starting of the chains I58, -at any time for any purpose. The contactor I52--A, in the reversing line starter I52, is held closed after I81-C, is closed by an auxiliary contactor I52-A-I on contactor I52-A.

When the trigger I38, of the limit switch I39, on the stock load conveyer chain I88, is actuated by the bunk or load carrier I59, of the stock load 88, after being moved of! oi the elevator shoes I51 and I58, the circuit is closed from one the line L-I, through the OL contactor, through the stop button I43, through contacts I89--A, in the limit switch I38, through the contacts I25-B, in the switch I35, which are normally closed, and through the coil I5I--.B, in the reversing line starter I5I, to the other side of the line L-2, to raise the elevator. In raising of the elevator, the lug I58, on the shoe I51, actuates the trigger I34 of the limit switch I35, opening the contacts I35-B, stopping the motor I54, and

the elevator in the up or loading position, also closing the contacts I35-A, in limit switch I35, starting the forward movement of the loading skid 98. Means are provided for holding the contacts I-A, closed until the lug I55, on the shoe I51, trips the trigger I35, on the limit switch I31. This means comprises a circuit from the line L-I, through the contacts I31-D, of the limit switch I81, which is normally closed,

through the single pole contactor I28, through the contacts I35-C, of the limit switch I35,

the shoe I51, striking the trigger I34, to the other side of the line ,L-2. The push button I45,-controls the manual raising of the elevator when desired.

The contactor I5I-B in the reversing line starter I5I, is held closed after the contacts I39A close,

by means of an auxiliary contactor I5I-B--I,

on the contactor I5 I-B.

The loading operation may be start d or I58-B-I of contactor bunks I8I, on the chains I98,

I88, by "the side of stopped by a line switch I48, and the cycle of loading may be repeated as often as desired, and until an operator stops the operation by opening the switch I48. The motors I58, I54 and I55, preferably haveelectric brakes I1, which stop the momentum of the motors respectively by spring pressure, when the circuits operating the motors are broken. The brakes are released when the motor circuits are closed.

In some cases my tiering and feeding apparatus may be used for feeding material'for a process, for example, a drying process, instead of a loader as described' In such cases see Figure IV for example, I preferably employ a plurality of smooth top conveyor chains I88, which may be driven by any suitable means, for example, the

motor-248, the reduction unit' HI, and the chain drive 242, to form a conveyor means for a sheet of material. A sheet of material I89, for example, lumber, with boards edge to edge in a continuous sheet, is supplied on said conveyor from any suitable source of supply.

I preferably provide a plurality of overhead stops I88, having cushions I9I, aligned transversely above the conveyor chains I88. The stop may be raised and lowered by any suitable means, to stop and release the material I89 in tiers, for example, by a double acting cylinder I83, having a piston I94, a piston rod I95, attached to the stop I98. The cylinder I93, has an upper chamber I99, and a lower chamber I99, connected to a four-way solenoid valve 288. The

solenoid valve 288, preferably has valves MI and 282, and the ports 282-A, 282--B, 283-11 and 283B. When the solenoid 288 lower the piston I94,

is energized, to the port 282-A is open to port 283-13, and the port 282-13 is open to the ing transversely across said conveyor, beneath said stops. The elevated member 289, of the conveyor may align the stock at right angles to the conveyor chain I88, as stock is pushed over it by the momentum of the stock I89, on the chain I88, behind it. The material which is clamped, is elevated slightly above the conveyor chain I88, allowing the chain to slide under the tier of material below the cushion I9i, without the pressure of the cushion upon the chain. The chain I88, continue to travel, sliding underneath the sheet of material behind the overhead stop, and conveying the tier of material between the overhead stop I98, and the limit switch 238, on beyond the limit switch until the last board of the tier passes it to rise automatically, thus raising the overhead stop. In some cases the separate conveyor chain I88 may be driven by a separate motor, which may be stopped when the limit switch 288, is actuated, and the stop I98 is applied.

One means and method of operation of my tiering and feeding apparatus may be as follows:

The tier of lumber I89, when moving forward on the chain I88, actuates the trigger 23I, of the limit switch 238, which may be positioned at any desired distance from the overhead stop I98, to determine the width of each tier, closing the circuit from L-I, through the line switch 235, through the contacts in the limit switch 238, through the solenoid 288, to the other side of I98, which lowers the.

beyond the trigger 28I, allowing the line L--2. This circuit when closed, energizes the solenoid and operates the valves 20I and 202, to open the ports and allow gas to pass from the pipe 205, through ports 202A and 203B, into chamber I98, of cylinder I93, forc- -ing the pistons I94 downward, and exhausting the gas from the chamber I99, through the port 203A, the passage 204, and the port 202-3. This downward movement of piston I94, by means of the piston rod I95, and the stop I90,

thrusts the. cushion I9I downward, to pinch the tier of lumber I89, against the elevating mem- 202, to allow gas to pass frompipe 205, through the ports 202A and 203-A, into the chamber I99, of the cylinder I93, moving the piston I94 upward, and exhausting the gas from the chamber I98, in cylinder I93, out through the ports 203B and 202-B. The upward movement. of the piston I94, by means of the piston rod I95, and the socket I90, raises the cushion I, to release the sheet of lumber I89, and allow the tier of lumber I89, to be conveyed forward by the chain I88, until the trigger 23I, on the limit switch 230, is again actuated.

Each tier of stock, as it is segregated, may be conveyed to an apron of a loader, or to a dryer, or other process.

It is intended that any step in the tiering, feeding or loading operation may be accomplished manually if desired.

It is understood that this invention is not limited to the exact design and form illustrated and described. Modifications of the structures and methods herein described, and mechanical and electrical equivalents are self-evident to those skilled in the art; therefore, it is to be understood that the invention includes within its scope whatever changes fairly come within either the terms or the spirit of the appended claims.

Having described my invention, what I claim is:

1. A feeding and tiering device, comprising conveyor means for a sheet of material, a stop for said sheet, means for elevating said sheet above said conveyor means beneath said stop, a tier measuring means actuated by said material spaced ahead of said stop, said means controlling the operation of said stop, and control means therefor, comprising means for alternately stopping said sheet for releasing a tier and releasing said stop, to feed and tier substantially as specifled.

2. A feeding and tiering device, comprising conveyor means for a sheet oi. material, a stop for said sheet, means for elevating said sheet above said conveyor means beneath said stop, a tier measuring means actuated by said material spaced ahead of said stop, said means controlling the operation of said stop, and automatic control means therefor, comprising means for alternately stopping said sheet for releasing a tier and releasing said stop, iterating automatically, to feed and tier substantially as specified.

3. A tiering apparatus, comprising a conveyor for a sheet of material, a stop above said sheet, means for elevating above said conveyor that part of said sheet below .said stop, control means for said stop, said control means "comprising means for measuring a tier beyond said stop, releasing and removing said tier, andraising said stop, for repeating the operation substantially as specified.

4. A tiering apparatus comprising a conveyor for a sheet of material, an automatic stop above said sheet, means for elevating above said conveyor that part of the sheet below said stop, automatic control means for said stop, said control means comprising means for measuring a tier beyond said stop, releasing and removing said tier, and raising said stop, for automatically repeating the operation substantially as specified.

5. A feeding and tiering apparatus, comprising a conveyor for a sheet of material, means for driving said conveyor, an' elevating member extending transversely across said conveyor, stops above said sheet, said elevating member being beneath said stops, a measuring means in the path of said sheet of material, spaced'awayfrom said stop for measuring 8. tier of said material, means by which the forward edge of said sheet of material actuates said measuring means for actuating said stop to clamp said sheet between said stopand 'said elevatingmemberabove said moving'conveyor, whereby 9. tier is separated from said sheet of material and conveyed beyond said measuring means, thereby releasing said measuring means, actuating means whereby said stop is raised and said conveyor chain moves said sheet forward to. repeat the measuring and tiering process'f 6. A feeding .and tiering apparatus, comprising a conveyor for a sheet .-of' material," means for driving said conveyor, ajpl'urality of overhead stops, 9. stock elevating member below said stops, a measuring means in the path of said sheet of matenal, adjustable for distance away from said stop for measuring a tier of said material, means by which the forward edge of said sheet of material actuates said measuring means to lower said stops and to raise said stock elevating member to clamp said sheet between said stop and said elevating member, above said moving conveyor, wherebyseparating said tier from said sheet of material, means for raising said stops, and lowering said elevating member, whereby said conveyor chain moves said sheet forward to repeat the measuring and tiering process.

'l. A feeding and tiering apparatus, comprising a conveyor for a sheet of material, means for driving said conveyor, a plurality of overhead stops, aligned transversely above said sheet of material, an elevating member for said sheet below said stops, a measuring means in the path of said sheet of material, adjustable for distance away from said stop to measure a tier of said material, an apron hinged near said stops for supporting said tier between said stops and said measuring means, means/by which the forward edge of said sheet of material actuates said measuring means to lower said stops'for clamping said sheet above said moving conveyor, and to lower the end of said apron adjacent to said measuring means for separating said tier from said sheet of material, means for raising said stops, and raising said apron, whereby said conveyor moves said sheet forward to repeat the measuring and tiering process.

8. A feeding, tiering, and loading apparatus, comprising a supply conveyor, for a sheet of material, means for successively measuring and releasing tiers from said sheet, comprising an overhead stop, and a measuring means ahead of said stop for actuating it, a reciprocable skid, means for feeding each of said tiers to said skid when it is positioned above a stock load, and means for retracting said skid from above said stock load beneath said conveyor, whereby said tiers of material are loaded on said stock load, substantially as specified.

9. A feeding, tiering, and loading apparatus, comprising a supply conveyor for a sheet of material, means for successively measuring and releasing tiers from said sheet, comprising an overhead stop, and a measuring means ahead of said stop for actuating it, a reciprocable skid, means for feeding each of said tiers at intervals to said skid when it is positioned above a stock load, an elevator for maintaining the top of' said stock load at a suitable loading level, means for retracting said skid from above said stock load beneath said conveyor, whereby said tiers of matejrial may be successively loaded on said stock load.

10. An automatic feeding, tiering, and loading device, comprising a supply conveyor for a sheet of material, automatic means for successively measuring and releasing tiers from said sheet,

comprising an overhead stop, and a measuring means ahead of said stop for actuating it, a reciprocable skid, means for feeding each of said tiers at intervals to said skid, when it is positioned above a stock load, an automatic elevator comprising means for maintaining the top of said stock load at a suitable loading level, said elevator being responsive to thelaying of 8. tier on said load, means for retracting said skid from above said stock load, said means being actuated by said tier, whereby said tiers of material are successively loaded on said stock load, and means of repeating this sequence of operations until a loadis stacked.

11. A synchronized automatic loading device, comprising a conveyor for a sheet of boards varying in width, means for tiering said sheet, said means comprising an overhead stop and a meas uring means ahead of said stop for actuating it, means for loading said tier, means for maintaining a loading level of a stock load, said loading means comprising a skid and means for its reciprocation alternately above said elevator and beneath said conveyor, the movement of said eleva-' tor being responsive to the loading of said tier,

said overhead stop also being actuated by theloading of a tier for releasing said sheet and for repeating the loading operation.

12. A loader, comprising a conveyor for a sheet of material, means actuated by the movement of said sheet for segregating it into a series of tiers, one tier at a time, means actuated by said segregating means for feeding said tier to a machine, means for the disposal of said tier by said machine which is actuated by said tier, said means comprising means for the further actuation of said i I segregating means, whereby the operation isrepeated.

. 13. A tiering and loading apparatus, comprising a conveyor for a sheet of material, a stop above said sheet, means for elevating above said con- .veyor that part of said sheet below said stop,

control means for said stop, said control means comprising means for measuring a tier beyond said stop for releasing said tier, and for raising said stop, means actuated by said control means for loading said tier on a load, and means actuated by'the loading of said tier for repeating ty anntion- 5 ALBERT THORNTON FAY, Jr. 

